Vick to make first start since '06

PHILADELPHIA - Michael Vick has always appreciated the chance that the Philadelphia Eagles gave him to return to the NFL. Now, he's getting an opportunity to return the favor.

Vick will start at quarterback for the Eagles on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the first time he's been under center at the start of a game since his time with the Atlanta Falcons - long before the world learned about his cruel world of dogfighting.

Eagles coach Andy Reid made it official Friday when he ruled quarterback Kevin Kolb out for Sunday's game with the concussion he suffered in their season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Vick last started in the final game of the 2006 season for the Falcons against, ironically enough, the Eagles.

"It would be gratifying," Vick said of leading the Eagles to a win. "This team took a chance on me when not many others would."

"Michael is excited to step in and play," Reid said. "As we all know, he was one of the great quarterbacks in the league before he was incarcerated.

"He did a great job of getting back into shape, that's number one. Then, the speed of the game - you're talking about a guy who was one of the fastest players in the game and he was stumbling a little last preseason. Then you look last Sunday and he was as fast as he was. He not only ran for 100 yards, but he also threw the ball well."